National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) leaders have met with newly appointed charities minister Vicky Foxcroft this week to discuss key issues impacting the sector, including the safety of charity volunteers and their communities.

The discussion this week involved NCVO chief executive Kate Lee and its chief influencing officer Leigh Brimicombe and took place amid concerns about the safety of charity staff and volunteers from right wing protestors.

Other concerns raised focused on factors that restrict or prevent charities' legitimate campaigning.

The need for sustainable funding, particularly for charities involved in public service delivery was also discussed, as was ways to tackle competition as a way of increasing collaboration in the sector.

The importance of Gift Aid; and protecting the independence of the Charity Commission, were also discussed.

“The meeting was a welcome opportunity to start a constructive conversation about the issues facing civil society, and discuss the different strengths, challenges and needs of organisations across the sector,” said the NCVO.

“We also highlighted the need for strong national and local infrastructure, and investment in the coordination and connectivity that enable organisations to work together, share learning and make their collective voice heard.”



The NCVO said it welcomed Foxcroft’s “passionate commitment” to collaborate with the sector.

It added: “This first meeting was a valuable opportunity to discuss openly and we appreciate the Minister's engagement on a wide range of topics.

“We will continue to make the case for civil society, raise the issues that matter to organisations across the sector, and challenge where change is needed. We look forward to working with the Minister and her team to turn our shared ambitions into action.”

Safety concerns in recent weeks have included incidents of abuse of RNLI volunteers and other charity lifeboat crews by anti-immigration protestors.

In July the Charity Commission warned that societal division is impacting one in four charities, with human rights, religious and equality charities among the worst affected.

One in 25 charities have been the victim of vandalism, which this rises to almost one in 10 among human rights, religious, racial harmony, diversity and equality charities, the regulator found.

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